Monday, August 5, 2013

News::Gamescom 2013 - 505 Games Schedule Revealed, PayDay 2 and TakeDown: Red Sabre will be in the show

BehindGames writes:505 Games has officially announced that they will be at Gamescom this year presenting their two upcoming games "PayDay 2" and "TakeDown: Red Sabre".



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326427/gamescom-2013-505-games-schedule-revealed-payday-2-and-takedown-red-sabre-will-be-in-the-show

News::SpawnFirst's Best Game Moments of 2013 (so far)

The SpawnStaffers sound off about their best gaming moments of 2013 (so far). Check out the feature and see if you can agree with any of our selections, or sound off in the article about your favorite gaming moments of 2013.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1325929/spawnfirsts-best-game-moments-of-2013-so-far

News::Skyrim Wins Best Game Of The Generation In Amazon Poll

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has topped Amazon.co.uks poll to determine the generations greatest game. Agree?



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326371/skyrim-wins-best-game-of-the-generation-in-amazon-poll

News::CDPR: PS4 and Xbox One quite similar to PCs, Engine Switch Easier

CD Projekt RED has revealed some new details on the next-gen consoles in the latest issue of Gamesmaster. While its common knowledge that the next-gen platforms are more closer to the PC architecture than ever before, its nice to see a talented studio benefiting from it.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326283/cdpr-ps4-and-xbox-one-quite-similar-to-pcs-engine-switch-easier

News::Warframe Dev: PS4 Eliminates Compatibility Issues, Great Option to Switch to for Low-End PC Owners

"Much has been made about how Warframe developer Digital Extremes managed to get the free to play title from PC to PlayStation 4 in a matter of months, thanks to the latter's ease of development. But the question is, does the PlayStation 4 has some kind of edge over the current release? Perhaps some new gameplay and mission types?"



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326402/warframe-dev-ps4-eliminates-compatibility-issues-great-option-to-switch-to-for-low-end-pc-owners

News::Here's a new look at Assassin's Creed 4's naval forts

EuroGamer: "Assassin's Creed 3 divided people - Tom liked it, and a fair few of you agreed with him while a few more didn't - but there's one thing that everyone's settled on: the naval sections were a clear highlight."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326378/heres-a-new-look-at-assassins-creed-4s-naval-forts

News::Vandal- Halo: Spartan Assault Review

Vandal:Halo again, one of the classics of Microsoft, now for Windows 8 and Windows Phone.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326310/vandal-halo-spartan-assault-review

News::EverQuest Next Panel From SOE Live In Las Vegas Part 2

This is Part 2 of the Sony Online Entertainment EverQuest Next panel from SOE Live in Las Vegas.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326128/everquest-next-panel-from-soe-live-in-las-vegas-part-2

News::Worms: Clan Wars Pre-Order Incentives Revealed

The battle lines have been drawn and Worms: Clan Wars has been declared available for pre-order. The PC exclusive Worms: Clan Wars offers gamers a number of exclusive bonuses when pre-ordering, available now via Steam.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326294/worms-clan-wars-pre-order-incentives-revealed

News::F1 2013 Classic Content Confirmed as DLC

Electronic Theatre reports on the confirmation that the Classic Content set to be included in the F1 2013: Classic Edition will also be available as DLC for the standard edition.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326339/f1-2013-classic-content-confirmed-as-dlc

News::An Interview With 'Halo: Spartan Assault' Composer Tom Salta

Forbes - Halo: Spartan Assault is the first mobile game in Microsoft 12-year old franchise. Its also the first time composer Tom Salta has worked on a game with music established by another composera sound, he points out, that is some of the most popular and recognizable music in video game history. Suffice to say, a high-stakes task with personal stakes for Salta.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1325984/an-interview-with-halo-spartan-assault-composer-tom-salta

News::Burial at Sea: 5 Things to Know

GeeksPodcast's Josh goes over 5 things you might not know about the forthcoming Bioshock Infinite: Burial at Sea DLC!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326330/burial-at-sea-5-things-to-know

News::Metro Last Light Rangers Mission 1 Heavy Squad Playthrough

Asad Quadri of TheKoalition writes: Welcome to this short series where we play through the Rangers DLC missions of Metro Last Light! This series is intended to show what the new DLC for Metro Last Light has to offer. Mission 1 is Heavy Squad where we play as a Shock Trooper of the 4th Reich and enter the frontlines of a massive battle against the Communist! This battle will determine which faction is top-dog in the Metro. Hail Reich!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326311/metro-last-light-rangers-mission-1-heavy-squad-playthrough

News::Saints Row IV Classification Causes Incompatibility

Due to the modifications made to Saints Row IV in order to pass classification in Australia, it will not be compatible with overseas players online.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326142/saints-row-iv-classification-causes-incompatibility

News::Teleglitch: Die More Edition Review | Rely on Horror

Casper of Rely on Horror writes, "Did you ever wonder how Doom would play if it was released on the Atari 2600? Ever wondered how scarce resources and randomized levels would affect the flow of its gameplay? Dont fret, my dear people, because Teleglitch seeks to answer both of those questions, for better or worse."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326319/teleglitch-die-more-edition-review-rely-on-horror

News::Player Attack TV: August 2, 2013

This week, we have a real treat on Player Attack TV: WWE Superstar The Miz joins us to chat about WWE 2K14 and just how he got to be so Awesome. Then we catch up with what's going on in LEGO Marvel Super Heroes, and wrap things up as Enric Alvarez tries to avoid spoilers for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2. ...all that, plus the latest in gaming news? We've got you covered. This is Player Attack!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326139/player-attack-tv-august-2-2013

News::Defining Horror, with Thomas Grip

Rely on Horror: Defining Horror is our new series that explores the creative minds behind the horror games that we love. Each entry in the series will share new aspects of the creative process, shining light on their ideas regarding what makes a quality horror experience, what elements are integral to a horror game, as well as what goes into effectively making an impact on the player. Defining Horror is a series that aims to give gamers insight into what the horror genre means to those who have developed or are developing horror games. Below you will find Thomas Grips definition of horror.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326304/defining-horror-with-thomas-grip

News::EverQuest Next Panel At SOE Live In Las Vegas Part 4

At SOE Live in Las Vegas, Sony Online Entertainment unveils the EverQuest Next MMO game. Check out the fourth and final part of this panel.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326135/everquest-next-panel-at-soe-live-in-las-vegas-part-4

News::Memoria Hands-On Preview | RPG Fan

RPG Fan: "The sense of wonder mixed with melancholy that made Chains of Satinav such a lovely game appears to be here again in Memoria."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326045/memoria-hands-on-preview-rpg-fan

News::QbQbQb Review | The Indie Mine

The Indie Mine reviews QbQbQb, a beautiful, minimalist, yet intense take on the match-three arcade puzzle genre for PC/OSX/Linux/Android/iOS. Developed & scored by rezoner for Ludum Dare #26.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326260/qbqbqb-review-the-indie-mine

News::Dreamscapes: The Sandman Review | AppAdvice

As point-and-click mystery games go, this one is definitely fun. It will keep you occupied for hours.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326212/dreamscapes-the-sandman-review-appadvice

News::N4G Radio 08/05/2013

The team is not quite ready for episode 300, so they take a breather and discuss lots of games. Hosts: Ken McKown Jason Gambrel Ryan Wombold Drew Leachman John Whitehouse Games Covered: Dragons Crown Earthbound Smurfs 2 Rise of the Triad Pikmin 3 And more



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326331/n4g-radio-08-05-2013

News::'Total War: Rome 2' preview: The Empire strikes back | Digital Spy

Digital Spy: "The Total War series has been delivering highly authentic historical strategy campaigns for more than a decade now, so it has quite the glistening reputation to uphold."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326043/total-war-rome-2-preview-the-empire-strikes-back-digital-spy

News::Live Report of Prelims Day Two in Dota2 TI3

DOTA 2 TI3 prelims day two has been over in laughter and tears. Among the 16 teams, Alliance was the only team that didn't drop a single game for now but contrary to Alliance, MUFC did have a very tough time during this year's International as they are the only team that has not won a single game currently.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326178/live-report-of-prelims-day-two-in-dota2-ti3

News::3Djuegos- BioShock Infinite: Clash in the Clouds Review

3D:There are four maps, all situated in locations that will be familiar to users. The more extensive and more complex, but all are interesting.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326275/3djuegos-bioshock-infinite-clash-in-the-clouds-review

News::Nintendo Download Europe: Spin the Bottle

Headlining today's Nintendo Download is the peculiar Wii U game Spin the Bottle: Bumpie's Party, which forgoes TV support in favor of a full-on GamePad party setup. Combined with the interesting name choice, I have no idea what to expect from it, but I'll be checking it out whenever it hits US shores. In other news, the Wii U Virtual Console is getting Romance of the Three Kingdoms IV, as well as Galaga.


On the 3DS side, SteamWorld Dig, Tangram Style, and Deer Drive Legends are hitting the marketplace. Sales include escapeVektor (now €5 / £4.49), Crash City Mayhem (now €9.99 / £8.99), and Rising Board 3D (now €1.49 / £1.29), which are all on sale until August 22. There's not a whole lot this week, and I don't think I would buy anything outside of Spin the Bottle.


Nintendo Download Europe: Spin the Bottle screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-download-europe-spin-the-bottle-259407.phtml

News::DOTA 2 TI3: Champion Ring and Shield

With the proceeding of the TI3, let's take a peek at the champion ring and shield.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326025/dota-2-ti3-champion-ring-and-shield

News::PCGamer- Betrayer Preview

PCG:The story of Betrayer is expressed through scattered cluesgravestone engravings, artifacts, notes, and other evidence that you find in the world. Assembling these clues pieces together the truth of what happened to an abandoned British settlement. One of colonial historys greatest mysteries, the Roanoke colony, was among the inspirations for this premise, says creative lead Craig Hubbard. The social situation of that time was really interesting, says Hubbard, formerly the lead designer on Shogo: Mobile Armor Division, F.E.A.R., and the NOLF series. I dont know if youve read about what it was like to be in the Pilgrim colonies, like if you broke the law, but theyd like pile stones on you until you died. It was just brutal and horrific and thats great subject matter for an atmospheric and eerie game.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326284/pcgamer-betrayer-preview

News::Thirty Flights of Loving review | Thunderbolt

Cody Steffen, Thunderbolt writes: Videogames have a complicated relationship with film. Theyre constantly being compared and contrasted due, in part, to their shared visual nature. This connection has changed over the years. In the 90s, games like Final Fantasy VII and Metal Gear Solid were lauded for their similarities to cinema; both their heavy use - especially in the case of Metal Gear Solid - of non-interactive cutscenes and the broad, dramatic twists of the plot itself as it unraveled through these brief pieces of cinema. These games were only the beginning of a trend towards the dominant art form of the 20th century, now that trend is routinely lamented by those who view these interruptions in hands-on interaction as the antithesis of what games are, or at least should be, all about.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326296/thirty-flights-of-loving-review-thunderbolt

News::PCAdvisor- Rise of the Triad Review

PCA:Remake of a half-forgotten 90s shooter that was once intended to be a sequel to Wolfenstein.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326280/pcadvisor-rise-of-the-triad-review

News::Star Wars Comes To CryEngine 3, StarCraft 2 Zerg Environment Recreated In UDK

DSOGaming writes: "Today we bring you some interesting concepts from 3D artists Camrat and Harbinger. Camrat decided to create a map based on Star Wars universe in CryEngine 3, while Harbinger created a Zerg hive environment in UDK (obviously inspired by StarCraft 2)."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326286/star-wars-comes-to-cryengine-3-starcraft-2-zerg-environment-recreated-in-udk

News::New Adventure Park Screenshots Revealed

Set for release this autumn, Adventure Park promises to deliver a wide variety of detailed attractions and elements to set up your own theme park. Some of these are revealed in a new selection of screenshots, available right here at Electronic Theatre.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326206/new-adventure-park-screenshots-revealed

News::GameZebo - BIT.TRIP FATE Review

GameZebo - The last Bit.Trip game to hit PC, Bit.Trip Fate is the penultimate entry in the six-title saga detailing Commander Videos birth, life, death, and beyond. Although Fate fulfills the Bit.Trip model of rhythm game wrapped in another genre, it focuses more on gameplay than music, operating as an on-rails side-scrolling shooter that is supportedbut not definedby its dubstep soundtrack. This grants players more freedom, but also reduces the power of music and actions in the world of Fate.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326079/gamezebo-bit-trip-fate-review

News::Ridge Racer: Unbounded collides with free-to-play in Driftopia – what’s the damage?


Ridge Racer: Unbounded, Bugbear’s bold reinvention of Namco’s racing series, was about taking chances. The world was disposable and destructible; the vehicles blunt, unglamorous instruments to be used to smash, crash and crush your way to victory and unlock the next set of stages. It was rough, rugged and understandably divisive, abandoning the brand’s established core pillars of smooth racing lines, sunset vistas and a forgiving learning curve.


It was also divisive due to a lack of user-friendliness. Menus were bare bones, tutorials practically non-existent and the rules of the road – destroy scenery to fill the boost bar required to obliterate shortcuts – encouraged aggression and rewarded recklessness.


Remixing and retro-fitting Unbounded as a free-to-play game – whose business model is all about accessibility and monetised customisations – can’t have been an easy task for Bugbear, then, and the pervading sense during our time in the closed beta is that Driftopia currently compromises what went before to cater to its new monetisation methods.


The aim is still the same – earn points through victory, this time against other players’ ghosts, to unlock new stages – but there are tweaks to the Unbounded formula that muzzle its old bite. For a start, shortcuts no longer need boost to blast through; you’re free to smash through them as a means to generate boost rather than using them only as an avenue to expend it. And there’s now a garage and repair system that requires you to purchase new vehicles and upgrade them with randomly awarded perks such as more powerful boosts, greater airtime and more points for drifting.



Most damaging of all is the introduction of Repair Kits; here, a crash doesn’t mean the loss of a few seconds, but the immediate end of a race. Run out of repair kits and you lose your car for good and it’s back to the store. Repair kits cost 99p for 50 from the in-game store, but it takes an average of 10 for a single restart and the biggest bundle of 3000 costs £19.99. It’s a mechanic that means your car will often burst into flames after a minor side-on bump into some trackside scenery, and is further undermined by collision issues and bugs which cause you to randomly flip and fly sky-high on the slightest of curbs. In a bid to counter this constant restarting, tracks are short and sharp chunks of Unbounded’s sprawling circuits, but it can’t compensate for the fact that you’re now generally discouraged from taking chances lest it cost you some real cash, and it results in Driftopia’s races feeling positively pedestrian at times.


Unbounded’s structure and flow may have been savaged by Driftopia’s new structural approach, but the handling model has been transplanted entirely and remains a joy to wrestle with. Cars feel weighty and dangerous, like vehicular wrecking balls, and both the roadsters and the stages have been visually refreshed – everything is shinier, sharper and brighter with a more varied palette – providing a clearer and more attractive route through all the cross-town traffic.


While cars can be upgraded and levelled, it’s your overall career rank that grants access to new stages and rewards. Cleverly, if you set a strong leaderboard score on a specific track and other players then compete against your ghost, you’ll acquire valuable career points even when offline.


Despite such deft touches, Driftopia ultimately feels convoluted by its myriad systems and monetising methods, obscuring the hard-hitting game underneath. Where Unbounded was a game of unrestrained brawn, Driftopia currently has too much of a brain for business: gone is the simple, singular ride of last year and instead we have a game of risk aversion rather than reckless abandon. This is Bugbear’s Ridge Racer bounded by free-to-play, and you can almost feel the tension with every roar of the engine.


The post Ridge Racer: Unbounded collides with free-to-play in Driftopia – what’s the damage? appeared first on Edge Online.






via Edge Online http://www.edge-online.com/features/ridge-racer-unbounded-collides-with-free-to-play-in-driftopia-whats-the-damage/

News::GameZebo - Catan Review

GameZebo - Settlers of Catan is the original German import that kick-started the current craze for European style board games back in 1996. Unsurprisingly for a popular strategy game that old, there are already a number of popular video game adaptations, but licence holder USM has decided the time is right for the PC version to get a spanking new edition.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326072/gamezebo-catan-review

News::Cube World: Its Definitely Hip to be Square - Anti-Gravity Gaming Network

Its been a month since Picromas Cube World hit the public with its Alpha release, and its become quite clear that the future of the Voxel revolution is in good hands. With Amazing Visuals, Multiplayer Support and more to come, this Voxel RPG offers a lot and promises even more still.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1325949/cube-world-its-definitely-hip-to-be-square-anti-gravity-gaming-network

News::42 Level One Podcast - Episode 40

Ali, Andy, Robin, Fraser and Jefferson shoot the breeze and talk all things videogames. Including Lego Legends Of Chima, Dantes Inferno, Final Fantasy VII, The Last Of Us, Magic The Gathering: DOTP 2014, Blood Mascarade, Assassins Creed 2 DLC, Sonic Adventure, Shadowrun Returns, Bioshock Infinite DLC and many more.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1325959/42-level-one-podcast-episode-40

News::Gameolio Podcast #71: A Roomful of Clickers

This week Phuong, Haven and Dan discuss Dynasty Warriors 8, Soul Sacrifice, Fallout New Vegas and The Last of Us. Chit-chatter on The Last of Us may contain spoilerific spoilers. Be warned! *click click click*



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1325965/gameolio-podcast-71-a-roomful-of-clickers

News::Hands On Preview: Real Soccer | HeyUGuys Gaming

HUGG Writes: Games Campus are aiming to score a winning goal with Real Soccer and based on what we played, it could be a potential champion.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326246/hands-on-preview-real-soccer-heyuguys-gaming

News::According to Bloomberg (via Destructoid), around twenty companies are interested in acquiring Index

News::GameZebo - DOTA 2 Walkthrough

GameZebo - DOTA 2 is a free-to-play action strategy game developed by Valve. Fight together with the team to destroy the opposing teams ancient, while defending your own. Gamezebos quick start strategy guide will provide you with detailed images, tips, information, and hints on how to play your best game.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326069/gamezebo-dota-2-walkthrough

News::Strider Starts Out With All Of His Core Abilities And Has Touches For MvC Fans

Capcom also promised that Strider wont start off strong and suddenly lose all of his powers like Samus does in Metroid. We also talked about Striders backstory, his plasma scarf, and why they decided to revive Strider.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326167/strider-starts-out-with-all-of-his-core-abilities-and-has-touches-for-mvc-fans

News::Planetside 2 Interview With Tramell Ray Isaac At SOE Live

At SOE Live in Las Vegas, Sony Online Entertainment senior art director Tramell Ray Isaac reveals the latest about Planetside 2 in this exclusive interview.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326132/planetside-2-interview-with-tramell-ray-isaac-at-soe-live

News::Game Preview - Prime World: Defenders - Blackman 'N Robin

Think of a video game that involves card collecting, leveling up cards and then utilizing these same cards in a tower defense genre in order to annihilate thousands and thousands of foes right before your eyes. Yes, you guessed it, its Prime World: Defenders. Prime World merges all of these different genres into one, providing a very strong title that is not only addicting, but actually very enjoyable at the same time.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326154/game-preview-prime-world-defenders-blackman-n-robin

News::GameZebo - Rollers of the Realm Preview

GameZebo - Pinball and fantasy have a long history together. If you dont believe me, just take a look at Black Knight or Medieval Madness. But marrying a fantasy theme with a pinball table doesnt really speak to gameplay that fantasy enthusiasts love. For that, youd need to delve into the world of roleplaying. And Rollers of the Realm? Its looking to tackle both.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326073/gamezebo-rollers-of-the-realm-preview

News::Divinity: Dragon Commander Review | Hardcore Gamer

Everyone is urged, even skeptical Divinity fans, to give Dragon Commander a shot especially if theyre amused by the notion of a dragon wearing a jet pack.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326151/divinity-dragon-commander-review-hardcore-gamer

News::Tomb Raider Review - Duuro Magazine

Duuro Mag says: "Sometimes going back to your origins is the only way to move forward."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326224/tomb-raider-review-duuro-magazine

News::GameZebo - Face Noir Review

GameZebo - Falsely accused of murder, private dick Jack Del Nero must comb through the seedy, corrupt underbelly of 1930s New York as he struggles to find the real killer and prove his innocence in Face Noir, the new point-and-click adventure from Mad Orange and Phoenix Online Studios. You'll struggle, too, with awkward dialog, primitive character models, clunky animations, and tedious adventure game minutiae that take all the fun out of being the lead character in a Raymond Chandler-esque romp.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326078/gamezebo-face-noir-review

News::Halo: Spartan Assault probably wont get you to buy a Surface tablet | Post Arcade

Post Arcade: "The first mobile Halo game isnt terrible, but take away the name and recognizable sights and sounds and it doesnt really stand out in any significant way. I suspect it wont keep most players engaged much beyond the time it takes to play through its 25 speedy missions. Avid Halo fans who already have a Windows 8 device may want to give it a try, but Halo: Spartan Assault isnt likely to draw many iOS or Android gamers into the Microsoft fold."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326041/halo-spartan-assault-probably-wont-get-you-to-buy-a-surface-tablet-post-arcade

News::GameZebo - When in Rome Review

GameZebo - When in Rome, do as Realore Games does: run back and forth, hack at rocks blocking your way, haggle with shopkeepers, and collect piles of pork that are lying in the dusty road. When in Rome is another time-management/action game that should be very familiar for fans of Northern Tale, Roads of Rome, and similar fare by Realore Games. In other words, you shouldnt expect anything revolutionary out of When in Rome, but theres no denying that the time- and resource-management mechanic that drives its gameplay is still addictive.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1326074/gamezebo-when-in-rome-review